Why does YesHelp ask me to verify my identity?
YesHelp is committed to building safety and trust among helpers and helpees. We believe it's easier and safer to ask for help and offer it, if everyone knows that each YesHelp user is a real person, not a fake / virtual character.
What verification technology does YesHelp use?
We rely on Regula, a leading developer of forensic equipment for document authentication. For more than 20 years, its technologies have been used by government, law enforcement and border security agencies across all continents.
How does identity verification work on YesHelp?
Photo ID document
YesHelp first asks for a government-issued ID to be scanned - this can be a driver's license, passport or another official document.
Note: Offering certain types of help, such as shelter, will require the document to contain an address matching where help is provided.
Biometric verification
YesHelp then performs a facial match and liveness check, to ensure that the document and uploaded profile photo, belong to the same individual. This is done to prevent creation of fake profiles and impersonation.
Verification is performed on the user's smartphone - YesHelp does not save scans or send them to the cloud.
How can I be sure that my data is protected?
As a Canadian organization, YesHelp adheres to global data protection regulations such as GDPR. Users' data is protected according to the world's strictest privacy law requirements. This enables YesHelp to work at the intersection of safety and security in the interests of all registered users.